Help with childcare costs

If you have a child aged 2, 3 or 4, you could get a free childcare place available through:

• day nurseries
• pre-schools
• playgroups
• private schools
• public nursery schools
• childminders

Places may be free, but that does not mean you’re guaranteed a place at the childcare provider you prefer. 

The main schemes available are free:

• education and childcare for 2-year-olds
• childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds
• childcare if you're working

More help with costs

You may be able to get tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers. Visit Childcare Choices.

Students

If you're under 20 and on a publicly-funded course, Care to Learn can help. 

It can cover childcare costs while you study.

Parental leave

If you're a working parent, you can take up to 13 weeks of parental leave for each child under 5. Parents of disabled children are eligible for more time.

Your employer does not have to pay you when you take this leave, but they might as part of your employment package. 

Find out more about parental leave on GOV.UK.

Flexible working

You can ask your employer for flexible hours if your child is under 6, or if you have a disabled child under 18. Your employer must consider your request. 

To apply, you must:

• have worked for you employer for at least 26 weeks
• be the child's mother, father, adopter, legal guardian or foster parent - or be the partner of one of these
• have responsibility for the child's upbringing
• be applying so that you'll be able to care for the child

Find out more and how to apply for flexible working on GOV.UK.